[Game Thread] To the Call of Cthulhu:Horror on the Orient Express-Les Fleurs Du Mal

[Mitsubachi]

Mei Li Mei felt the man's eyes upon her, looking her up and down, appraising. It was not a nice sensation, but she lowered her own eyes in deference. She waited. The conversations around the dining car continued unabated, luxurious food and expensive wines gobbled down with unseemly greed. When the Turk spoke, it was clear he was not impressed. "Ask a waiter, my dear. I have no time for you," The look that accompanied the dismissal was a sneer. Mei's breath caught in her chest at his coldness toward her. One of his secretaries drove the blade further in. "Mr. Mahtuk, KERIM MAHTUK, has no time for you. Please bother him no more. His time is worth more than you can possibly imagine." Mei bowed, feeling the cut of their disdain. "As you wish," she whispered. The small Chinese girl turned away. She knew when she had failed to make an impression, and that it was better to withdraw and regroup. Perhaps the name was something useful she had earned, at least. She wondered if that waiter would know anything more about Mr Mahtuk. Perhaps if Milly might ask him nicely... As she began to step back toward their private carriage, Mei came face-to-face with Jimmy. His face was very serious. She suddenly hoped that he had not witnessed her humiliation. For some reason, she felt particularly embarrassed for him to see that. Just beyond Jimmy, but also closing, she spotted Nikka. Ugh, please let the gallant Nikka not also think me an idiot! She tried to put on a brave face and smiled at Jimmy. "Oh, Jimmy. All is well. I hope?"

 

Mei Li
Age 24, born Hong Kong, currently resident in London
Archaeologist (specializing in Far East artefacts) and student of the occult

STR 40
CON 50
DEX 60
INT 80
SIZE 50
POW 50
APP 60
EDU 70

Hit Points; 10
Magic points: 10
Luck: 60
Sanity: 50

Skills
Archaeology 60
Climb 30
Credit Rating 25
Dodge 40
Fighting (brawl) 45
Language: Cantonese 40
Occult 50
English 40
Library Use 60
Listen 70
Persuade 50
Spot Hidden 45
Charm 70

[DeletedUser79558]

Milly Pic: Arthur is still struck by the offputting song and its even more offputting singer, when first Mei leaves the room they have just been ushered into, and then, in a slow trickle, the others follow suit. "I thought we were going to discuss..." he says in a quiet voice to the retreating backs of his new comrades before trailing off. Finding himself in the room with only the impertinent waiter for company, he looks imperiously at the scandalous servant and says "Right, well, I think that just about sums it up, don't you?" and turns on his heel (military fashion) and walks out of the room, his cheeks still reddened slightly. Walking into the car in the aftermath of the others, and seeing them in various forms of disarray after their attempts at bonhomie with their fellow passengers, Arthur shakes his head. "Really, do none of you have any social graces?" he says, sotto voce, "Hetty, you should know better, at the very least. Introductions first by a mutual acquaintance if you're going to talk to a stranger of a certain social level. You know that." He stands and watches the absolute chaos the group has unfurled in their wake before casting his eyes at their fellow passengers, in the hope of recognising someone amongst their number.   Perhaps a Credit Rating roll to see if his social status allows him to recognise anyone in the car? I'm assuming it would be a difficult roll though. Anyway, rolling dice now - if another skill would be a better fit, then check against that. CR s 50, and roll is: Dice Roll: 1d100 17   Character Sheet Stats and Vital Arthur Henry Vane "Milly" Millington-Fairbanks Antiquarian Bookseller Male, 37 Residence: York Born: West Yorkshire, England   Str: 30 (15/6) Dex: 60 (30/12) Int: 70 (35/14) Con: 45 (22/9) App: 25 (12/5) Pow 60 (30/12) Siz 55 (27/11) Edu: 80 (40/16) Luck: 55 HP: 15/15 Sanity: 60/60 Move Rate: 8 MP: 12/12 Dam Bonus: 0 Build: 0 Skills Accounting: 5 Anthropology: 01 Appraise: 30 Archaeology: 01 Photography: 05 Arts (Forgery): 15 Brawl: 35 Charm: 35 Climb: 20 Credit Rating: 50 Cthulhu Mythos: 00 Disguise: 05 Diving: 1 Dodge: 40 Drive Auto: 20 Elec Repair: 10 Fast Talk: 05 Firearms (Hand): 40 Firearms (Shotgun): 35 First Aid: 35 History: 40 Intimidate: 15 Jump: 20 Lang (English): 80 Lang (French): 31 Lang (Latin): 51 Lang (Greek): 21 Law: 5 Library Use: 50 Listen: 35 Locksmith: 1 Mech Repair: 10 Medicine: 01 Natural World: 10 Navigate: 25 Occult: 05 Op. Hv. Machine: 01 Persuade: 10 Pilot: 01 Psychoanalysis: 31 Psychology: 25 Ride: 20 Science: 01 Sleight of Hand: 10 Spot Hidden: 45 Stealth: 25 Survival: 10 Swim: 20 Throw: 40 Track: 10     Weapon Regular Hard Extreme Damage Range Attacks Ammo Malf Unarmed 35 17 07 d4+0 - 1 - - Webley .455 Mark V Revolver 40 20 10 d10+2 15 yards 1(3) 6 100 Walking Stick 35 17 07 D8+0 - 1 - - Credit Rating: 50 Cash = $250 Assets = $25,000 Possessions: Webley Service Revolver Mk V, Walking Stick

[Warson]

Sticking Together James "Jimmy", "Little Jimmy" Mott "Wait," James "Jimmy" Talbot Mott said in response to Nikka's reaction to his silent communication. "She's alright. Just keep an eye on her. Keep an eye on that man." Jimmy shuffled his feet a little as he continued to stare forward at Mei, at the Turk and his companions. He couldn't make out what was being said between them all, but he could soon tell that the Turk had not received their new associate very politely. Mei then turned and approached Jimmy and Nikka. "Oh, Jimmy. All is well. I hope?" Jimmy mustered as much of a smile as he could in response, then glanced again at the Turk. "Stay close to us," he said as he swung his eyes back to Mei. "We all need to stick together. That is very important. Speaking of which..." he turned his head around, looking for something, someone, "Henrietta...Arthur." He then gently placed a hand on Mei's back, nodded to Nikka, and began making his way back to the beautiful and intelligent Henrietta Smythe-Porter and her old friend, Mr. Millington-Fairbanks.

 

Actions/Rolls Actions: Rolls:

 

Character Sheet Stats and Vital James "Jimmy", "Little Jimmy" Mott Criminal (Conman) Male, 27 Residence: East London, England, U.K. Born: East London, England, U.K.   Str: 35 (17/7) Dex: 55 (27/11) Int: 45 (22/9) Con: 55 (27/11) App: 70 (35/14) Pow: 55 (27/11) Siz: 40 (20/8) Edu: 55 (27/11) Luck: 70 HP: 9/9 Sanity: 50/55 Move Rate: 8 MP: 11/11 Dam Bonus: -1 Build: -1 Skills Accounting: 05 Anthropology: 01 Appraise: 25 Archaeology: 01 Art/Craft (Acting): 25 Brawl: 30 Charm: 15 Climb: 20 Credit Rating: 15 Cthulhu Mythos: 05 Disguise: 25 Dodge: 27 Drive Auto: 20 Elec Repair: 30 Fast Talk: 70 Firearms (Hand): 30 Firearms (Rifle/Shotgun): 25 First Aid: 30 History: 05 Intimidate: 18 Jump: 20 Lang (English): 55 Lang (Other): 01 Law: 25 Library Use: 20 Listen: 40 Locksmith: 11 Mech Repair: 10 Medicine: 01 Natural World: 10 Navigate: 10 Occult: 05 Op. Hv. Machine: 01 Persuade: 35 Pilot: 01 Psychology: 30 Psychoanalysis: 01 Ride: 05 Science: 01 Sleight of Hand: 30 Spot Hidden: 41 Stealth: 20 Survival: 10 Swim: 20 Throw: 20 Track: 10     Weapon Regular Hard Extreme Damage Range Attacks Ammo Malf Unarmed 30 15 06 1d4-1 - 1 - - .22 Short Automatic 30 15 06 1d6 10 yards 1(3) 6 100 Occupation Skill Points: 220 Personal Interest Skill Points: 90 Credit Rating: 15 Cash = $30 Assets = $ 750 Spending Level: $10 Possessions: .22 Short Automatic Wool Dress Suit Oxford Dress Shoes Felt Fedora A small lacquered black box (Turkish in origin?)

[Mitsubachi]

Mei Li Mei was slightly taken aback at the strength of Jimmy's concern. It was nice to know he was looking out for her, even if this was just for the good of the mission. "Thank you Jimmy. That man will completely forget me in less than a minute unless someone gives him reason not to. I managed to learn his name. KERIM MAHTUK. I feel like I have seen him before. It may be important information." He placed his hand on her back and steered her back toward their private carriage. Mei did not object. She could tell he was agitated, and heightened her own lookout for danger as a natural reaction.

OOC No particular moves here just continuing the narrative.

 

Mei Li
Age 24, born Hong Kong, currently resident in London
Archaeologist (specializing in Far East artefacts) and student of the occult

STR 40
CON 50
DEX 60
INT 80
SIZE 50
POW 50
APP 60
EDU 70

Hit Points; 10
Magic points: 10
Luck: 60
Sanity: 50

Skills
Archaeology 60
Climb 30
Credit Rating 25
Dodge 40
Fighting (brawl) 45
Language: Cantonese 40
Occult 50
English 40
Library Use 60
Listen 70
Persuade 50
Spot Hidden 45
Charm 70

[Begon Ugo]

Masataka 'Nikka' Taketsuru Nikka locked his cold eyes on the Turkish man, the possibility of this being a coincidence…slim to none. He half expected the man to leap to his feet and rip Mei’s head from her slight shoulders and he needed to will himself to ease his finger from the trigger of his pistol. The ease in which he reached for the firearm shocked the japanese man. Never one who believed in the dishonorable use of such impersonal weapons… all his compunctions had been proven foolish by the horrors he had now experienced. Masataka was purely in the frame of mind of shooting first… the hell with consequences. Mei began to work her way back towards the group, escorted by James, and Nikka moved aside and let them pass. He heard Mei mention the Turkish man’s name, Kerim Mahtuk… and he sealed it in his mind wondering if the name should ring a bell. “Let’s refrain from separating from each until we get our bearings. I don’t think you understand the danger that surrounds you now,” Nikka whispered harshly to the Chinese woman as she returned towards the rest of the group

Ooc

OOC   Character Sheet Stats and Vital Masataka 'Nikka' Taketsuru Martial artist/whiskey distiller Male, 29 Residence: Scotland Born: Hiroshima, Japan   Str: 75 (37/15) Dex: 55 (27/11) Int: 70 (35/14) Con: 70 (35/14) App: 45 (22/9) Pow 55 (27/11) Siz 25 (12/5) Edu: 70 (35/14) Luck: 39 HP: 9/13 Sanity: 71/73 Move Rate: 9 MP: 11/11 Dam Bonus:0 Build: 0 Skills Accounting: 05 Anthropology: 01 Appraise 05 Archaeology: 01 Brawl: 85 Charm: 15 Climb: 55   Credit Rating: 40 Cthulhu Mythos: 10 Disguise: 05 Dodge: 50 Drive Auto: 20 Elec Repair: 10 Fast Talk: 05 *Firearms (Hand): 50 Firearms (Rifle/Shotgun): 25 First Aid: 53 History: 05 Intimidate: 15 Jump: 50 Lang (English): 50 Law: 05   Library Use: 20 *Listen: 40 Locksmith: 1 Mech Repair: 58 Medicine 01 Natural World 10 Navigate: 10 Occult: 12 Op. Hv. Machine01 Persuade: 10 Pilot: 01 Psychology: 58 Psychoanalysis: 01 Ride 05 Science: 01 Sleight of Hand: 10 *Spot Hidden: 65 Stealth 40 Swim20   Throw 20 Track 10     Weapon Regular Hard Extreme Damage Range Attacks Ammo Malf Unarmed 35 12 07 d4+0 - 1 - - .45 Automatic 40 20 08 d10+2 15 1(3) 7 100 .30-06 rifle 35 17 07 2d6+4 110 1 5 100 Credit Rating: 20 Cash = Assets = Possessions:   Yog Sothhoth Boon: Your best friend's father was an occultist. Though most of his belongings were lost along with the man when you were a child, there is a single page of his journal listing prominent men and women from throughout Wstern Europe and America that worshiped Yog Sothoth. +10% Occultism. You can find occultists of Yog Sothoth in most major cities in Europe and the United States. Bane: you have a silver scar that runs on your neck and left chin. APP -5. This may identify you as having a relationship with Yog Sothoth, for good or ill.

[Mitsubachi]

Mei Li Mei was taken aback by the harsh whisper from the previously mild-mannered Japanese man. Though she valued Jimmy's counsel no less, having the concerns repeated cemented their gravity. She bowed her head in apology. Twice now she had been chastened and was feeling embarrassed, rather like a naughty schoolgirl. It was true, she had not sensed the danger of trying to learn the Turkish man's name. Now she wanted to know. She allowed Nikka and Jimmy to escort her back to their private section, hoping an explanation would be forthcoming soon.

 

Mei Li
Age 24, born Hong Kong, currently resident in London
Archaeologist (specializing in Far East artefacts) and student of the occult

STR 40
CON 50
DEX 60
INT 80
SIZE 50
POW 50
APP 60
EDU 70

Hit Points; 10
Magic points: 10
Luck: 60
Sanity: 50

Skills
Archaeology 60
Climb 30
Credit Rating 25
Dodge 40
Fighting (brawl) 45
Language: Cantonese 40
Occult 50
English 40
Library Use 60
Listen 70
Persuade 50
Spot Hidden 45
Charm 70

[Bluejack]

Les Fleurs Du Mal Calais to Paris Paranoia was a plague that ran from the London investigators into their new colleagues. One could hardly blame them. A simple research librarian skinned alive, a ruined face of Ale, the death in America. The weight of horror was slowly and inexorably creating a warping of the mind. Jimmy would see no more death of companions, and like some reborn zealot he was dedicated to stopping the Simulacrum from being assembled. Nikka was no less affected; Turks were commonplace on the Orient Express. Who was to say this businessman was an accomplice to the turbaned man? Although...perhaps he was? In fact, perhaps the family traveling together were devotees of the Cult of the Skin? Who could say? Was it really paranoia? The team was defeated in their attempts at social exploration, and Hilly said it well when he entered the dining car to observe the warped minds of the investigators. "Really, do none of you have any social graces? Hetty, you should know better, at the very least. Introductions first by a mutual acquaintance if you're going to talk to a stranger of a certain social level. You know that." Hetty nodded, contrite. The team moved to the empty dining car and sat in silence. They made small talk while watching the miles go by outside. As they settled in, fatigue struck the team, particularly the London team. The room slowly filled with more passengers, and Henrietta did her best to listen in for signs of trouble- there were none. Perhaps the world was not completely filled with evil, but one couldn't be too careful in their line of work. Paris! Northern France was quite attractive, and the landscape did its best to improve the team's mood. The same went for the staff of the Orient Express that tended to their every need. The investigators, taking care not to expose themselves to prying eyes or listening ears, exchanged information. Mei and Hilly were disbelieving at first, but the realization came that they too had their encounters with the unknown. The Compte Fenelik was one lead, as was the horrible book the team had found. The Diabolus Singularis was the next big lead, though a review of their own notes and Smith's journal were of great use. The first step would seem to be the Bibliotheque Nationale as indicated by the dead research librarian. They had no contact there, nor a letter of introduction. Entry would take some doing. All topics of discussion during the journey. By late in the day the car was transferred to the Paris branch of the Orient Express, and the investigators arrived in Paris. The City of Light awaited them. What new horrors would the team find?

The Keeper What would you like to do?   The Investigators COMBAT Name PC HP Condtions Actions Stats Notes NPC The Mythos --/-- -- -- St:--, Co:--, Sz:--, Dex:--, App:--, Edu:--, Int:--, Po:--   Location PC HP Sanity Luck Stats Actions Calais Mei Li 15/15 50/50 60/60 St:40, Co:60, Sz:50, Dex:60, App:60, Edu:70, Int:80, Po:50 -- Calais Milly 15/15 60/60 55/55 St:30, Co:45, Sz:50, Dex:60, App:25, Edu:80, Int:70, Po:60 -- Calais Henrietta 14/15 73/70 55/62 St:35, Co:55, Sz:45, Dex:75, App:45, Edu:45, Int:65, Po:85 -- Calais Nikka 9/13 73/73 56/60 St:35, Co:55, Sz:40, Dex:55, App:70, Edu:45, Int:55, Po:70 -- Calais Jimmy 13/13 87/85 56/60 St:75, Co:70, Sz:25, Dex75, App50, Edu50, Int70, Po85 -- Calais Shenandoa 10/10 70/70 55/55 St:22, Co:32, Sz:45, Dex:40, App:27, Edu:56, Int:70, Po:70 -- ENVIRONMENT Progress Time of the Day Mid Morning Current Day Friday Current Date Jan 15th, 1923 Conditions Weather Clear Light Full Precipitation None       NPC Title Affiliations Location Notes Burrows Manservant of Professor Smith Oriental Club London Ally Connell, James Research Librarian British Museum 6' Under Deceased Cult of the Skin Cult The Skinless Man London (?) ?? Fire Vampire Servants of the Mythos The Turban Man ?? Immolation, glass cannons (?) Fleming, Henry Investigator, Homocide Scotland Yard ?? Investigating skinned victims murders Finn, Sean Investigator, Homocide Scotland Yard ?? Investigating skinned victims murders Makryat, Mehmet Antiques Dealer ?? Deceased Died Three Times Meitner, Lisse Physicist Oriental Club, Friedrich Wilhelm University ?? Ally Rigby, Elias Detective, Arson Scotland Yard St. John's Wood Investigating Smith Estate Arson Smith, Julius Professor of Psychology London University, Oriental Club ?? Patron The Skinless Man ?? ?? ?? Mythos? Vangeim, Remi Research Librarian Bibliotheque Nationale Paris, France The Devil's Similare scholar   The Sedefkar Simulacrum - The Sedefkar Simulacrum is an occult artifact of evil power. - The Simulacrum is in six parts - The Simulacrum was disassembled in Paris and scattered across Europe at end of the 18th Century. - One must have all of the pieces to destroy the simulacrum. - The only sure way to destroy the statue is in its original home, a place in Constantinople known as the Shunned Mosque. - The 'Diabolus Singularis' is a Latin text that mentions a powerful homunculus or simulacrum. - An attempt to read a text (possibly the Diabolus Singularis) is a dead end and nearly consumes the reader's sanity. Simulacrum Leads - Part of the Simulacrum may still be in France. The owner was a noble, Comte Fenalik. - Napoleon’s soldiers carried a piece into Venice when they invaded that city. - Another fragment made its way to Trieste at the same time. Its fate is unknown. - Johann Winckleman is the curator of the museum in Trieste. - There may be a piece in the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. - Start at the National Museum of Belgrade. - Dr. Milovan Todorovic is the curator. - One part was lost near Sofi a during the Bulgarian War in 1875. - Possibly burried? - A piece was in circulation in Paris just after the Great War, and sold to someone from Milan. The Sedefkar Scrolls - A ritual to destroy the Simulacrum utterly is included in a set of documents known as the Sedefkar Scrolls The Oriental Club - The Oriental Club is a famous group of the extraordinary, and a secret society that fights against the Mythos. - Professor Smith has summoned you to London to enjoy his Challenger Lecture at the Oriental Club. - Lisse Mietner is a renowned physicist and member of the Oriental Club - Beddows is the butler of Prof Smith. He seems an able member of the Oriental Club as well. The Cult of the Skin - The Cult of the Skin is pursuing the Sedefkar Simulacrum. - A series of murders has occurred in London in which the victims were skinned. - Scotland Yard has officers Fleming and Finn investigating the series of murders. - A note referencing the 'Skinless Man' is on the corpse of Mr. Connell - Mr. Connell, research librarian for the Bristish Museum is skinned alive as a warning to the investigators. - Connell leaves Remi Vangeim at the Bibliothèque Nationale de France as a contact in Paris. - Mehmet Makryat, is murdered three times in one night. He is found skinless at the Chelsea Arms Hotel - Makryat is the owner of an antiques shop in Putney, a suburb of London.

[Warson]

Arrival in Paris James "Jimmy", "Little Jimmy" Mott With suitcase in hand, the con now named James Talbot Mott walked down the tight corridor and soon stood before the closed wooden door of a passenger cabin some thirty feet from his own. Knock, knock... "Ahem, Miss Henrietta," James said quietly but hopefully loud enough for his voice to be heard on the other side of the door, "it's just about ten minutes now before we are at the station." James could feel that the vibrations under the soles of his polished patent leather shoes were changing. The train was already reducing its speed as their destination approached in the distance. "I'm happy to assist in any baggage handling that you might need, madam." No response whatsoever from the other side. Jimmy wondered if he had chosen the wrong door. He looked up at the cabin door number again. 16. No, he had rapped upon Henrietta's door alright. "Ahem...alright then. I'll be up in the dining car waiting for us to stop. Nikka might already be up there. Again, I'm happy to assist if need be. Just let me know, if you please. I'll see you in a bit, madam." James then turned on a heel and made his way forward to the next car, then the next. Ninety seconds later, James was looking for the rest of the team as the most magnificent vehicle Jimmy Mott had ever seen slowed down even further and continued to make its approach to its final destination.

OOC Just some color.

 

Actions/Rolls Actions: Rolls:

 

Character Sheet Stats and Vital James "Jimmy", "Little Jimmy" Mott Criminal (Conman) Male, 27 Residence: East London, England, U.K. Born: East London, England, U.K.   Str: 35 (17/7) Dex: 55 (27/11) Int: 45 (22/9) Con: 55 (27/11) App: 70 (35/14) Pow: 55 (27/11) Siz: 40 (20/8) Edu: 55 (27/11) Luck: 70 HP: 9/9 Sanity: 50/55 Move Rate: 8 MP: 11/11 Dam Bonus: -1 Build: -1 Skills Accounting: 05 Anthropology: 01 Appraise: 25 Archaeology: 01 Art/Craft (Acting): 25 Brawl: 30 Charm: 15 Climb: 20 Credit Rating: 15 Cthulhu Mythos: 05 Disguise: 25 Dodge: 27 Drive Auto: 20 Elec Repair: 30 Fast Talk: 70 Firearms (Hand): 30 Firearms (Rifle/Shotgun): 25 First Aid: 30 History: 05 Intimidate: 18 Jump: 20 Lang (English): 55 Lang (Other): 01 Law: 25 Library Use: 20 Listen: 40 Locksmith: 11 Mech Repair: 10 Medicine: 01 Natural World: 10 Navigate: 10 Occult: 05 Op. Hv. Machine: 01 Persuade: 35 Pilot: 01 Psychology: 30 Psychoanalysis: 01 Ride: 05 Science: 01 Sleight of Hand: 30 Spot Hidden: 41 Stealth: 20 Survival: 10 Swim: 20 Throw: 20 Track: 10     Weapon Regular Hard Extreme Damage Range Attacks Ammo Malf Unarmed 30 15 06 1d4-1 - 1 - - .22 Short Automatic 30 15 06 1d6 10 yards 1(3) 6 100 Occupation Skill Points: 220 Personal Interest Skill Points: 90 Credit Rating: 15 Cash = $30 Assets = $ 750 Spending Level: $10 Possessions: .22 Short Automatic Wool Dress Suit Oxford Dress Shoes Felt Fedora A small lacquered black box (Turkish in origin?)

[Jon]

Henrietta Smythe-Porter – Paris ”Your first time in Paris?” Henrietta said to Jimmy as they stepped out of the grand entrance of Gare de l’Est. She breathed in the air, but it was cold and the grey clouds filled the sky – she pulled her coat around her. ”You should come in the Spring, James, is so much more jolie” she sighed. ”Still you can get a good view of the Tour Eiffel from here, look …” Henrietta extended a gloved finger south and west from where they stood ”… it’s a reasonable walk, just over the Seine.” then she shook her head ”But we are not here to see the sights are we James, we’ve work to do.” Henrietta clapped her hands and brought the rest of her friends into our conversation. ”The stewards should see that our bags are transported to our hotel, so I say no time like the present. Seems to me that we’ve been one step behind the Cult since the Professor brought us all together, and I am sure that their agents will already be afoot here too.” She looked sternly over her friends shoulders lest there be eaves droppers ”We’ve got a couple starts, thanks to poor Mr Connell – we know about …” he voice dropped to a horse whisper ”Remi Vangeim at the library – and we know that one of the pieces was last seen in the hands of Comte Fenalik. Now I’m afraid that I don’t know this man, but the library is sure to have records of their hereditary titles – it should not be any trouble to track them down.” She looked down at the ranks of cabs waiting outside the station, there engines running and filling the air with fumes to the distress of their horse-drawn cousins. ”I say we round up a couple of those cabs and make our way …” she shook her head ”… I mean its not as if we’re don’t stick out like a sore thumb already. No need for cloak and dagger quite yet.”

ooc Just a suggestion to get stuck into research.

 

Character Sheet Stats and Vital Henrietta Smythe-Porter Loss Adjuster Female, 34 Residence: Holland Park, London Born: Hertfordshire, England   Str: 35 (17/7) Dex: 45 (22/9) Int: 80 (40/16) Con: 55 (27/11) App: 45 (22/9) Pow 70 (35/14) Siz 45 (22/9) Edu: 65 (32/12) Luck: 63 (55 or 62) HP: 15/15 Sanity: 73/70 Move Rate: 8 MP: 12/12 Dam Bonus: -1 Build: -1 Skills Accounting: 45 Anthropology: 01 Appraise 05 Archaeology: 01 Photography: 05 Brawl: 25 Charm: 24 Climb: 20 Credit Rating: 30 Cthulhu Mythos: 05 Disguise: 05 Dodge: 36 Drive Auto: 20 Elec Repair: 10 Fast Talk: 20 Firearms (Hand): 40 Firearms (Rifle/Shotgun): 25 First Aid: 30 History: 05 Intimidate: 50 Jump: 20 Lang (English): 65 Lang (Other): 01 Law: 49 Library Use: 20 Listen: 21 Locksmith: 1 Mech Repair: 10 Medicine 01 Natural World 10 Navigate: 10 Occult: 05 Op. Hv. Machine01 Persuade: 59 Pilot: 01 Psychology: 20 Chemistry: 01 Ride 05 Science: 01 Sleight of Hand: 10 Spot Hidden: 66 Stealth 43 Survival: 10 Swim25 Throw 20 Track 10     Weapon Regular Hard Extreme Damage Range Attacks Ammo Malf Unarmed 35 17 07 d4+0 - 1 - - Revolver 44 22 11 d10 3 yards 1(2) 2 100 Credit Rating: 50 Cash = $250 Assets = $500 Possessions: Remington Double Derringer M95

[Mitsubachi]

Mei Li Mei had been deep in thought during the journey through the verdant French countryside. No-one had yet explained to her why Kerim Mahtuk should have been such a threat, and provoked such a reaction from Nikka and Jimmy. However, as they neared Paris, her last brush with the occult seemed to grow larger in her memory, as if the magnificent train was steaming along and taking her back to that dungeon. Mei knew it was wise to respect her companions' counsel for caution, and to stay close. So she had taken some time during the rest of the journey to review their leads. Comte Fenalik was unknown to her, but Henrietta suggested the library might have records that could point them to his residence. So Mei nodded when it was suggested they take the cab to the Bibliotheque Nationale. During the journey she had overheard Milly say he was an expert on antique books. "Perhaps you can make a connection that would gain us entry?" she suggested to the eccentric war veteran.

 

Mei Li
Age 24, born Hong Kong, currently resident in London
Archaeologist (specializing in Far East artefacts) and student of the occult

STR 40
CON 50
DEX 60
INT 80
SIZE 50
POW 50
APP 60
EDU 70

Hit Points; 10
Magic points: 10
Luck: 60
Sanity: 50

Skills
Archaeology 60
Climb 30
Credit Rating 25
Dodge 40
Fighting (brawl) 45
Language: Cantonese 40
Occult 50
English 40
Library Use 60
Listen 70
Persuade 50
Spot Hidden 45
Charm 70

[Warson]

Two Cabs, Bad Thoughts James "Jimmy", "Little Jimmy" Mott So there the new, expanded team stood, in the cold and windy streets of Paris, again discussing their investigative strategy. Where to go? With whom to speak? "Remi Vangeim at the library..." Henrietta said in her usual, intelligent and quick-witted manner. The lady had been through quite a bit over the past handful of days, but so had Nikka and James. And Ale. Ale. "Ahem, yes," James replied, "the library. Off to the Bibliotheque Nationale, then." He hailed a cab with a finger pointed to the sky. Then a second automobile swung before the group, its curbside rear door soon opened by a quick moving cab driver. "Perhaps you can make a connection that would gain us entry?" Mei Li said to Arthur as James offered the opened door to the young lady. "Fine idea, m'lady," James said in response. "Fine idea." He then slid in the cab and next to Mei. James was trying his best to allow the conversation and Mei's beauty to take his mind off of things that he wanted to forget. Things like the skinned man, their run-in with a gang of Turks, the otherworldly creature that had destroyed Ale. Ale. Jimmy Mott sure was trying his best to forget, but he was failing...badly. Wedged between two companions in the backseat of a cab in Paris, France, Little Jimmy Mott looked outside and at all of the people walking down the street as the cab jolted forward and toward the National Library of France.

 

Actions/Rolls Actions: Rolls:

 

Character Sheet Stats and Vital James "Jimmy", "Little Jimmy" Mott Criminal (Conman) Male, 27 Residence: East London, England, U.K. Born: East London, England, U.K.   Str: 35 (17/7) Dex: 55 (27/11) Int: 45 (22/9) Con: 55 (27/11) App: 70 (35/14) Pow: 55 (27/11) Siz: 40 (20/8) Edu: 55 (27/11) Luck: 70 HP: 9/9 Sanity: 50/55 Move Rate: 8 MP: 11/11 Dam Bonus: -1 Build: -1 Skills Accounting: 05 Anthropology: 01 Appraise: 25 Archaeology: 01 Art/Craft (Acting): 25 Brawl: 30 Charm: 15 Climb: 20 Credit Rating: 15 Cthulhu Mythos: 05 Disguise: 25 Dodge: 27 Drive Auto: 20 Elec Repair: 30 Fast Talk: 70 Firearms (Hand): 30 Firearms (Rifle/Shotgun): 25 First Aid: 30 History: 05 Intimidate: 18 Jump: 20 Lang (English): 55 Lang (Other): 01 Law: 25 Library Use: 20 Listen: 40 Locksmith: 11 Mech Repair: 10 Medicine: 01 Natural World: 10 Navigate: 10 Occult: 05 Op. Hv. Machine: 01 Persuade: 35 Pilot: 01 Psychology: 30 Psychoanalysis: 01 Ride: 05 Science: 01 Sleight of Hand: 30 Spot Hidden: 41 Stealth: 20 Survival: 10 Swim: 20 Throw: 20 Track: 10     Weapon Regular Hard Extreme Damage Range Attacks Ammo Malf Unarmed 30 15 06 1d4-1 - 1 - - .22 Short Automatic 30 15 06 1d6 10 yards 1(3) 6 100 Occupation Skill Points: 220 Personal Interest Skill Points: 90 Credit Rating: 15 Cash = $30 Assets = $ 750 Spending Level: $10 Possessions: .22 Short Automatic Wool Dress Suit Oxford Dress Shoes Felt Fedora A small lacquered black box (Turkish in origin?)

[Begon Ugo]

Masataka 'Nikka' Taketsuru Nikka disembarked from the train and took a deep breath of fresh air as he tried to shake the paranoia from his bones. The closed in, confined quarters of the train had unnerved the man and he was a bit ashamed to admit it. The cascading effects of the recent horrors had begun to weigh heavily on Nikka. Around every corner lay a giant alligator poised to strike. But… Paris… a wonderful city full of rich history. A new start for the investigators and it made no sense to start this leg of their journey heavy with sadness. No… that would be giving in to the horror. Masataka smiled at Henrietta and said cheerfully, “I agree. The library is a good start if nothing else. Let us use the day wisely.” Nikka grabbed his bags and then paused and asked, “Do we know how long our stay in Paris will be? Do we have to meet with the train to continue our journey at a specific date or time?” Nikka then turned to Mei and admonished her one last time, though he did it gently. “Do not speak to any Turks that you may come across. I do not say this in any way to disparage the people but it is a fact that a group of them had a hand in our friend’s death. Until we know more… they are our enemy. It can be no other way.”

Ooc

OOC   Character Sheet Stats and Vital Masataka 'Nikka' Taketsuru Martial artist/whiskey distiller Male, 29 Residence: Scotland Born: Hiroshima, Japan   Str: 75 (37/15) Dex: 55 (27/11) Int: 70 (35/14) Con: 70 (35/14) App: 45 (22/9) Pow 55 (27/11) Siz 25 (12/5) Edu: 70 (35/14) Luck: 39 HP: 9/13 Sanity: 71/73 Move Rate: 9 MP: 11/11 Dam Bonus:0 Build: 0 Skills Accounting: 05 Anthropology: 01 Appraise 05 Archaeology: 01 Brawl: 85 Charm: 15 Climb: 55   Credit Rating: 40 Cthulhu Mythos: 10 Disguise: 05 Dodge: 50 Drive Auto: 20 Elec Repair: 10 Fast Talk: 05 *Firearms (Hand): 50 Firearms (Rifle/Shotgun): 25 First Aid: 53 History: 05 Intimidate: 15 Jump: 50 Lang (English): 50 Law: 05   Library Use: 20 *Listen: 40 Locksmith: 1 Mech Repair: 58 Medicine 01 Natural World 10 Navigate: 10 Occult: 12 Op. Hv. Machine01 Persuade: 10 Pilot: 01 Psychology: 58 Psychoanalysis: 01 Ride 05 Science: 01 Sleight of Hand: 10 *Spot Hidden: 65 Stealth 40 Swim20   Throw 20 Track 10     Weapon Regular Hard Extreme Damage Range Attacks Ammo Malf Unarmed 35 12 07 d4+0 - 1 - - .45 Automatic 40 20 08 d10+2 15 1(3) 7 100 .30-06 rifle 35 17 07 2d6+4 110 1 5 100 Credit Rating: 20 Cash = Assets = Possessions:   Yog Sothhoth Boon: Your best friend's father was an occultist. Though most of his belongings were lost along with the man when you were a child, there is a single page of his journal listing prominent men and women from throughout Wstern Europe and America that worshiped Yog Sothoth. +10% Occultism. You can find occultists of Yog Sothoth in most major cities in Europe and the United States. Bane: you have a silver scar that runs on your neck and left chin. APP -5. This may identify you as having a relationship with Yog Sothoth, for good or ill.

[Mitsubachi]

Mei Li “Do not speak to any Turks that you may come across. I do not say this in any way to disparage the people but it is a fact that a group of them had a hand in our friend’s death. Until we know more… they are our enemy. It can be no other way.” Mei bowed with contrition at the Japanese man's admonishment. Now it all made sense. Though she agreed that to consider the entire country as their enemy would be ridiculous... that one was traveling on the very same carriage as them seemed too much of a coincidence. "I understand," she whispered. "I am glad of your guidance."

 

Mei Li
Age 24, born Hong Kong, currently resident in London
Archaeologist (specializing in Far East artefacts) and student of the occult

STR 40
CON 50
DEX 60
INT 80
SIZE 50
POW 50
APP 60
EDU 70

Hit Points; 10
Magic points: 10
Luck: 60
Sanity: 50

Skills
Archaeology 60
Climb 30
Credit Rating 25
Dodge 40
Fighting (brawl) 45
Language: Cantonese 40
Occult 50
English 40
Library Use 60
Listen 70
Persuade 50
Spot Hidden 45
Charm 70

[Bluejack]

Les Fleurs Du Mal Gare de L'est to Bibliothecque de Nationale Strength in numbers wonthe day, and the team of investigators found a cab to the Bibliothecque Nationale de France. The ride was quite pleasant, driving past incredible landmarks: the Sainte-Chapelle, Notre Dame, the Sorbonne, and the River Seine. The architecture was breathtaking, and for a moment the investigators felt a dual ellation of new experiences and the progress of their mission. Soon the National Library of France came into view, and after payment, the team found themselves in front of the great font of human scholarship. Within they hoped to find information on the Sedefkar Simalacrum, the and the Compte Fenelik. Librarians, not often known for their heroism, were coming to the fore at this moment. Connell had recommended a Remi Vangiem in Paris, and the team thought it best to start there. They entered the library, and found an unanticipated amount of security. Guards flanked the doors, and frisked each of the investigators in turn. They found themselves at a front desk with a bespectacled greeter, waiting for the team to (in French) give their request. Remi Vangeim After a simple request in French the woman stepped away from her desk, and is gone for ten minutes. She returned with a young man with large features and scruffy hair. He wore a suit, but it was poorly fitting and showed too much cuff. His shoes were worn and unpolished. The young librarian looked long and hard at the members of the group of investigators and sighed. He ran his hands through his hair. Remi stepped forward and spoke in French to the team. "Welcome to the Bibliothecque de Nationale. I am Remi Vangeim. I assume you are friends of my friend Connell. He is well I hear? Waht can I do for you?Bienvenue à la Bibliothèque de Nationale. Je suis Rémi Vangeim. Je suppose que vous êtes des amis de mon ami Connell. Il va bien j'entends ? Que puis-je faire pour vous ?" Remi waited patiently. He seemed unsurprised to see the group.

The Keeper What would you like to do?   The Investigators COMBAT Name PC HP Condtions Actions Stats Notes NPC The Mythos --/-- -- -- St:--, Co:--, Sz:--, Dex:--, App:--, Edu:--, Int:--, Po:--   Location PC HP Sanity Luck Stats Actions Calais Mei Li 15/15 50/50 60/60 St:40, Co:60, Sz:50, Dex:60, App:60, Edu:70, Int:80, Po:50 -- Calais Milly 15/15 60/60 55/55 St:30, Co:45, Sz:50, Dex:60, App:25, Edu:80, Int:70, Po:60 -- Calais Henrietta 14/15 73/70 55/62 St:35, Co:55, Sz:45, Dex:75, App:45, Edu:45, Int:65, Po:85 -- Calais Nikka 9/13 73/73 56/60 St:35, Co:55, Sz:40, Dex:55, App:70, Edu:45, Int:55, Po:70 -- Calais Jimmy 13/13 87/85 56/60 St:75, Co:70, Sz:25, Dex75, App50, Edu50, Int70, Po85 -- Calais Shenandoa 10/10 70/70 55/55 St:22, Co:32, Sz:45, Dex:40, App:27, Edu:56, Int:70, Po:70 -- ENVIRONMENT Progress Time of the Day Mid Morning Current Day Friday Current Date Jan 15th, 1923 Conditions Weather Clear Light Full Precipitation None       NPC Title Affiliations Location Notes Burrows Manservant of Professor Smith Oriental Club London Ally Connell, James Research Librarian British Museum 6' Under Deceased Cult of the Skin Cult The Skinless Man London (?) ?? Fire Vampire Servants of the Mythos The Turban Man ?? Immolation, glass cannons (?) Fleming, Henry Investigator, Homocide Scotland Yard ?? Investigating skinned victims murders Finn, Sean Investigator, Homocide Scotland Yard ?? Investigating skinned victims murders Makryat, Mehmet Antiques Dealer ?? Deceased Died Three Times Meitner, Lisse Physicist Oriental Club, Friedrich Wilhelm University ?? Ally Rigby, Elias Detective, Arson Scotland Yard St. John's Wood Investigating Smith Estate Arson Smith, Julius Professor of Psychology London University, Oriental Club ?? Patron The Skinless Man ?? ?? ?? Mythos? Vangeim, Remi Research Librarian Bibliotheque Nationale Paris, France The Devil's Similare scholar   The Sedefkar Simulacrum - The Sedefkar Simulacrum is an occult artifact of evil power. - The Simulacrum is in six parts - The Simulacrum was disassembled in Paris and scattered across Europe at end of the 18th Century. - One must have all of the pieces to destroy the simulacrum. - The only sure way to destroy the statue is in its original home, a place in Constantinople known as the Shunned Mosque. - The 'Diabolus Singularis' is a Latin text that mentions a powerful homunculus or simulacrum. - An attempt to read a text (possibly the Diabolus Singularis) is a dead end and nearly consumes the reader's sanity. Simulacrum Leads - Part of the Simulacrum may still be in France. The owner was a noble, Comte Fenalik. - Napoleon’s soldiers carried a piece into Venice when they invaded that city. - Another fragment made its way to Trieste at the same time. Its fate is unknown. - Johann Winckleman is the curator of the museum in Trieste. - There may be a piece in the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. - Start at the National Museum of Belgrade. - Dr. Milovan Todorovic is the curator. - One part was lost near Sofi a during the Bulgarian War in 1875. - Possibly burried? - A piece was in circulation in Paris just after the Great War, and sold to someone from Milan. The Sedefkar Scrolls - A ritual to destroy the Simulacrum utterly is included in a set of documents known as the Sedefkar Scrolls The Oriental Club - The Oriental Club is a famous group of the extraordinary, and a secret society that fights against the Mythos. - Professor Smith has summoned you to London to enjoy his Challenger Lecture at the Oriental Club. - Lisse Mietner is a renowned physicist and member of the Oriental Club - Beddows is the butler of Prof Smith. He seems an able member of the Oriental Club as well. The Cult of the Skin - The Cult of the Skin is pursuing the Sedefkar Simulacrum. - A series of murders has occurred in London in which the victims were skinned. - Scotland Yard has officers Fleming and Finn investigating the series of murders. - A note referencing the 'Skinless Man' is on the corpse of Mr. Connell - Mr. Connell, research librarian for the British Museum is skinned alive as a warning to the investigators. - Connell leaves Remi Vangeim at the Bibliothèque Nationale de France as a contact in Paris. - Mehmet Makryat, is murdered three times in one night. He is found skinless at the Chelsea Arms Hotel - Makryat is the owner of an antiques shop in Putney, a suburb of London.

[DeletedUser79558]

Milly While waiting for the librarian to appear, Milly asks the rest of the group "Who else here speaks French? I'm afraid those who don't might not be too helpful in a French library, unless we have other Latin readers and some of the documents we wish to peruse are in that language. " When Vangeim approaches, and welcomes the group, Milly smiles and introduces himself, saying "Bonjour M. Vangeim, je m'appelle Arthur Millington-Fairbanks, et je suis un libraire de d'antiquités...[Milly continues in French]...and yes, we are here at the behest of M. Connell. If it's at all possible, we'd like to peruse your library for information on several subjects, most notably on French aristocratic history and foreign antiquities that may have made their home in France for a while. Sadly, not all of our group are able to understand French, so may I ask if we can switch to English, if you would be so polite? It certainly seems that you are busy today [Milly gestures to the security detail], is this a common occurrence, or is there some special event taking place today?" Milly takes it for granted that a French librarian would be au fait with English, and ignores the question - surely a mere pleasantry anyway - about Connell's health. He doesn't switch to English unless or until M. Vangeim does, out of politeness.   Character Sheet Stats and Vital Arthur Henry Vane "Milly" Millington-Fairbanks Antiquarian Bookseller Male, 37 Residence: York Born: West Yorkshire, England   Str: 30 (15/6) Dex: 60 (30/12) Int: 70 (35/14) Con: 45 (22/9) App: 25 (12/5) Pow 60 (30/12) Siz 55 (27/11) Edu: 80 (40/16) Luck: 55 HP: 15/15 Sanity: 60/60 Move Rate: 8 MP: 12/12 Dam Bonus: 0 Build: 0 Skills Accounting: 5 Anthropology: 01 Appraise: 30 Archaeology: 01 Photography: 05 Arts (Forgery): 15 Brawl: 35 Charm: 35 Climb: 20 Credit Rating: 50 Cthulhu Mythos: 00 Disguise: 05 Diving: 1 Dodge: 40 Drive Auto: 20 Elec Repair: 10 Fast Talk: 05 Firearms (Hand): 40 Firearms (Shotgun): 35 First Aid: 35 History: 40 Intimidate: 15 Jump: 20 Lang (English): 80 Lang (French): 31 Lang (Latin): 51 Lang (Greek): 21 Law: 5 Library Use: 50 Listen: 35 Locksmith: 1 Mech Repair: 10 Medicine: 01 Natural World: 10 Navigate: 25 Occult: 05 Op. Hv. Machine: 01 Persuade: 10 Pilot: 01 Psychoanalysis: 31 Psychology: 25 Ride: 20 Science: 01 Sleight of Hand: 10 Spot Hidden: 45 Stealth: 25 Survival: 10 Swim: 20 Throw: 40 Track: 10     Weapon Regular Hard Extreme Damage Range Attacks Ammo Malf Unarmed 35 17 07 d4+0 - 1 - - Webley .455 Mark V Revolver 40 20 10 d10+2 15 yards 1(3) 6 100 Walking Stick 35 17 07 D8+0 - 1 - - Credit Rating: 50 Cash = $250 Assets = $25,000 Possessions: Webley Service Revolver Mk V, Walking Stick